U.S. patent number 9,173,312 [Application Number 14/542,148] was granted by the patent office on 2015-10-27 for cable storage under a drawer.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Quanta Computer Inc.. The grantee listed for this patent is Quanta Computer Inc.. Invention is credited to Chao-Jung Chen, Chih-Ming Chen, Maw-Zan Jau, Chung-Hsin Tsai, Wei-Cheng Tseng.
United States Patent |
9,173,312 |
Jau , et al. |
October 27, 2015 |
Cable storage under a drawer
Abstract
An apparatus comprising a wall of a drawer adapted to secure a
set of cables at a first end, the set of cables can be housed in a
cable housing, the wall coupled to a roller and a flattening
appendage. In some implementations, the apparatus can include a
deck including a plate adapted to secure the set of cables at a
second end, the plate located at a midpoint of the deck.
Alternatively, a drawer is adapted to slide along the deck, a shelf
attached to the drawer. The flattening appendage presses down on
the first end of the set of cables and the roller presses down on
the second end of the set of cables as the drawer is opened and
closed such that the set of cables is stored neatly under the
drawer.
Inventors: |
Jau; Maw-Zan (Tao Yuan Shien,
TW), Chen; Chao-Jung (Tao Yuan Shien, TW),
Chen; Chih-Ming (Tao Yuan Shien, TW), Tseng;
Wei-Cheng (Tao Yuan Shien, TW), Tsai; Chung-Hsin
(Tao Yuan Shien, TW) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Quanta Computer Inc. |
Tao Yuan Shien |
N/A |
TW |
|
|
Assignee: |
Quanta Computer Inc. (Tao Yuan
Shien, TW)
|
Family
ID: |
53283964 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/542,148 |
Filed: |
November 14, 2014 |
Foreign Application Priority Data
|
|
|
|
|
Apr 30, 2014 [TW] |
|
|
103115548 A |
Aug 4, 2014 [TW] |
|
|
103126609 A |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B
88/40 (20170101); H05K 5/0247 (20130101); G11B
33/126 (20130101); H05K 7/1491 (20130101); A47B
96/00 (20130101); H05K 7/1487 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47B
81/00 (20060101); H05K 5/02 (20060101); A47B
88/04 (20060101); A47B 96/00 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Other References
"Power and Cabling Products", Communications News (Jun. 7, 2010)
40(10). cited by applicant .
cableorganizer.com, "Cable Management--Organize Cords & Wires",
Retrieved on Dec. 4, 2014, from:
http://www.cableorganizer.com/cable-management/. (2 pages). cited
by applicant .
Middle Atlantic Products, "Universal Mounting Drawer", Retrieved on
Dec. 4, 2014, from:
http://www.middleatlantic.com/products/accessories/rackmount-storage/univ-
ersal-mounting-drawer.aspx (2 pages). cited by applicant .
Rackmount Solutions, "Rackmount Solutions: Rack Mount Shelves &
Accessories for Server Racks & Cabinets", Retrieved on Dec. 12,
2014, from:
http://www.rackmountsolutions.net/Rackmount.sub.--Shelves.asp. (2
pages). cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Tran; Hanh V
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Novak Druce Connolly Bove + Quigg
LLP
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus comprising: a wall of a drawer adapted to secure a
set of cables at a first end, the wall comprising a roller and a
flattening appendage extending therefrom; a deck comprising a
plate, the plate adapted to secure the set of cables at a second
end; and the drawer adapted to slide along the deck and over the
plate; wherein the flattening appendage presses down on the first
end of the set of cables and the roller guides a first portion of
the set of cables between the first end and the second end as the
drawer is closed such that the first portion of the set of cables
is stored under the drawer and a second portion between the first
end and the second end of the set of cables is bent and is disposed
between the flattening appendage and the roller.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wall comprises a securing
piece for securing the set of cables.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cable housing for
housing the set of cables and securing the cables together.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the cable housing comprises a
polymer belt.
5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the cable housing comprises a
microchain.
6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the cable housing spans the
set of cables between the first end and the second end.
7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the securing piece attaches
below the flattening appendage.
8. A method comprising: providing a device with a wall of a drawer,
a roller, a flattening appendage, and a deck comprising a plate,
operably connected such that the drawer slides along the deck;
securing a first end of the set of cables to the wall of the
drawer; securing a second end of the set of cables to the plate;
and closing the drawer such that the flattening appendage presses
down on the first end of the set of cables and the roller guides a
first portion of the set of cables between the first end and the
second end such that the first portion of the set of cables is
stored under the drawer and a second portion between the first end
and the second end of the set of cables is bent and is disposed
between the flattening appendage and the roller.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the wall comprises a securing
piece for securing the set of cables.
10. The method of claim 8, further comprising a cable housing for
housing the set of cables and securing the cables together.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the cable housing a polymer
belt.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the cable housing comprises a
microchain.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein the cable housing spans the set
of cables between the first end and the second end.
14. The method of claim 9, wherein the securing piece attaches
below the flattening appendage.
15. A system comprising: an apparatus comprising: a wall of a
drawer adapted to secure a set of cables at a first end; a roller;
and a flattening appendage; a deck comprising a plate, the plate
adapted to secure the set of cables at a second end; and the drawer
adapted to slide along the deck; wherein the flattening appendage
presses down on the first end of the set of cables and the roller
guides a first portion of the set of cables between the first end
and the second end as the drawer is closed such that the first
portion of the set of cables is stored under the drawer and a
second portion between the first end and the second end of the set
of cables is bent and is disposed between the flattening appendage
and the roller.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the wall comprises a securing
piece for securing the set of cables.
17. The system of claim 15, further comprising a cable housing for
housing the set of cables and securing the cables together.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the cable housing comprises a
microchain.
19. The system of claim 17, wherein the cable housing a polymer
belt.
20. The system of claim 17, wherein the cable housing spans the set
of cables between the first end and the second end.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
The disclosure generally relates to cable organization in a server
chassis.
BACKGROUND
Cables used in connecting hardware on a server (e.g., hard drives,
motherboard, etc.) to a server chassis are prone to being tangled
when the server or hard disk drawer is pulled out and pushed back
into the chassis. Conventionally, a cable support mechanism is used
for solving this problem. For example, a cable arm positioned at
the back of the chassis is adapted to extend and retract along with
the server or hard disk drawer while also supporting the cables.
The cables are attached to the cable arm, which comprises a
foldable set of bars. However, cable arms require a lot of space
and also obstruct heat dissipation from the server blade out of the
chassis.
SUMMARY
In some implementations, an apparatus can be configured to store
cables underneath a hardware drawer of a computing device. The
apparatus comprises a wall of a drawer adapted to secure a set of
cables at a first end. For example, the wall can be coupled to a
roller and a flattening appendage. The cables can be housed in a
cable housing. The cable housing can be a Mylar.TM. belt. Mylar.TM.
is a polyester film made from stretched polyethylene terephthalate
(PET) manufactured by E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. The
cable housing can be a microchain. In some implementations, the
apparatus can comprise a deck comprising a plate adapted to secure
the set of cables at a second end, the plate located at a midpoint
of the deck. Alternatively, a drawer is adapted to slide along the
deck, a shelf attached to the drawer. The flattening appendage
presses down on the first end of the set of cables and the roller
presses down on the second end of the set of cables as the drawer
is opened and closed such that the set of cables is stored neatly
under the drawer.
Particular implementations provide at least the following
advantages: Compact storage and organization of server cables
underneath a server blade, additional space available at the rear
of a server chassis, and improved heat dissipation from the server
blade out of the server chassis due to less clutter at the rear of
the chassis.
Details of one or more implementations are set forth in the
accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features,
aspects, and potential advantages will be apparent from the
description and drawings, and from the claims.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1A is an isometric view of a cable storage apparatus showing a
drawer in a closed position with cables stored underneath the
drawer.
FIG. 1B is a close-up view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A.
FIG. 2A is an isometric view of a cable storage apparatus showing
the drawer pulled halfway out.
FIG. 2B is a close-up view of the apparatus of FIG. 2A.
FIG. 3A is an isometric view of a cable storage apparatus showing
the drawer pulled all the way out.
FIG. 3B is a close-up view of the apparatus of FIG. 3A.
FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of an example method for storing a cable
under a drawer.
Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like
elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of
illustration, where appropriate, reference numerals have been
repeated among the different figures to indicate corresponding or
analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set
forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the
embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by
those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described
herein can be practiced without these specific details. In other
instances, methods, procedures and members have not been described
in detail so as not to obscure the related relevant feature being
described. Also, the description is not to be considered as
limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein. The
drawings are not necessarily to scale and the proportions of
certain parts have been exaggerated to better illustrate details
and features of the present disclosure.
Several definitions that apply throughout this disclosure will now
be presented.
The term "coupled" is defined as connected, whether directly or
indirectly through intervening members, and is not necessarily
limited to physical connections. The connection can be such that
the objects are permanently connected or releasably connected. The
term "substantially" is defined to be essentially conforming to the
particular dimension, shape or other word that substantially
modifies, such that the member need not be exact. For example,
substantially cylindrical means that the object resembles a
cylinder, but can have one or more deviations from a true cylinder.
The term "comprising," when utilized, means "including, but not
necessarily limited to"; it specifically indicates open-ended
inclusion or membership in the so-described combination, group,
series and the like.
In practice, as a drawer is pulled out of a chassis from a closed
position, to a halfway open position, to an open position, cables
that are completely stored underneath the drawer become exposed and
fully extended. As the drawer is closed, the cables return under
the drawer until they are fully stored underneath the drawer. The
space saved from having the cables stored underneath the drawer
allows for more space on the drawer for hardware, and improved
ventilation at the rear of the chassis for heat dissipation.
FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an example cable storage apparatus 100
for storing cables 104 underneath drawer 106 (e.g. a hard drive
drawer, server drawer, etc.) while drawer 106 is in a fully closed
position. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, drawer 106 is in a fully
closed position, with cables 104 stored completely underneath
drawer 106. In some implementations, rear wall 126 can be used to
secure a first end (e.g., upper end) of cables 104. This can be
accomplished by any means known in the art. For example, a securing
piece (not shown) can be coupled to rear wall 126 such that cables
104 are sandwiched between the securing piece and rear wall 126.
The securing piece can be coupled to rear wall 126 according to
means known in the art, including, but not limited to, snap
attachments, screws, friction fit, etc. Alternatively, the securing
piece can be coupled to shelf 102 using similar means. For example,
cables 104 can be sandwiched between the securing piece and shelf
102, and securing piece can be attached either above or below shelf
102.
In some implementations, shelf 102 can be substantially flat in
shape, and can be made of metal, plastic, rubber, etc.
Alternatively, shelf can comprise cable aperture 112 for cables 104
to pass through to couple with cable couplings located on drawer
106. In some implementations shelf 102 is attached to rear wall 126
of drawer 106. Attachment of shelf 102 to drawer 106 can be
accomplished using any means known in the art, including, but not
limited to, screws, friction fit, snap attachment, etc. For
example, shelf 102 can be fixed in place on drawer 106 such that a
first end of cables 104 follows the motion of drawer 106 as drawer
106 is pulled out and pushed in from chassis 116. Alternatively,
shelf 102 can be fixed closer to one side of chassis 116.
In some implementations, chassis 116 can be adapted to work in
combination with drawer 106 to allow drawer 106 to be opened and
closed (e.g. similar to a desk drawer). For example, chassis 116
can include side walls 128 with guiding portions and drawer 106 can
include sliding portions that slide along the guiding portions.
Guiding portions can include wheels and locking mechanisms to
prevent drawer 106 from sliding out all the way. Drawer 106 can
include wheels and locking mechanisms that move through the guiding
portions to allow drawer 106 to slide into and out of chassis 116.
Alternatively, the width of drawer 106 can be smaller than the
width of chassis 116. For example, one of the side walls 128 can be
positioned closer to the other side wall 128 to support drawer 106
(see e.g., FIG. 1A).
In some implementations shelf 102 can comprise roller 110. For
example, roller 110 can be substantially cylindrical in shape and
can be made of any material known in the art with frictional
characteristics such as, but not limited to, plastic, rubber, etc.
Alternatively, roller 110 can be located below shelf 102 and can be
used for pushing down a second end (e.g., lower end) of cables 104
towards deck 114 as drawer 106 is opened and closed. For example,
roller 110 can be adapted to roll along the second end of cables
104 according to methods known in the art, including, but not
limited to, bearings, axles, wheels, etc., to push or press the
second end of the cables to the floor of the chassis. Roller 110
therefore helps keep cables 104 organized while guiding cables 104
underneath drawer 106. Alternatively, roller 110 can be the same
width as cables 104.
In some implementations, shelf 102 can comprise flattening
appendage 108. Flattening appendage 108 can be a flat and rigid
planar extension of shelf 102. For example, flattening appendage
108 can be used to flatten a first end of cables 104 as shelf 106
is opened and closed. As shelf 106 gets closer to the rear of
chassis 116, cables 104 tend to bunch and spring up. Flattening
appendage 108 ensures that cables 104 remain pressed down,
organized and do not bunch up. Alternatively, flattening appendage
108 can be the same width as cables 104, and can further comprise
guides 118 for keeping cables 104 underneath flattening appendage
108. Flattening appendage can be made of the same material as shelf
102, as described above.
FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate drawer 106 half open with cables 104
housed inside a cable housing 120. For example, cable housing 120
keeps cables 104 together and organized. In some implementations,
cable housing 120 can include a Mylar.TM. belt. In some
implementations, cable housing 120 can include a microchain. As
drawer 106 is opened from the closed position in FIGS. 1A and 1B to
the half open position depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B, a second end of
cables 104 (e.g., the lower portion) that was previously stored
beneath drawer 106 becomes exposed. Roller 110 rolls over cables
104 to ensure smooth deployment of the second end of cables 104,
and flattening appendage 108 ensures the first end of cables 104
remains flat.
In some implementations, cable housing 120 comprises a Mylar.TM.
belt. Mylar.TM. is a polyester film made from stretched
polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and is used for high tensile
strength, chemical and dimensional stability, transparency,
reflectivity, gas and aroma barrier properties, and electrical
insulation. Alternatively, the Mylar.TM. belt can comprise securing
straps 122 that span across the width of cables 104 to secure
cables 104 to the Mylar.TM. belt. In some implementations, securing
straps 122 are also made of Mylar.TM.. For example, the Mylar.TM.
belt can be situated on one side of cables 104, as securing straps
122 span across the opposite side (as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B).
The Mylar.TM. belt can house cables 104 to keep them together while
shelf 102 pushes and pulls against cables 104 as drawer 106 is
opened and closed. The Mylar.TM. belt can add rigidity to cables
104 to prevent pinching or binding of cables 104. Alternatively,
cable housing can be adapted to span the portion of cables 104
between shelf 102 and plate 124 (as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B). In
some implementations, cable housing 120 can comprise a microchain
for securing cables 104, as described below with reference to FIG.
3.
FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate drawer 106 fully open with cables 104
housed inside microchain 300. When drawer 106 is fully open, cable
104 is fully extended and exposed.
In some implementations, a second end of cables 104 can be secured
on deck 114. For example, the second end of cables 104 can be
secured underneath plate 124. Plate 124 can be secured to deck 114
(e.g., the bottom of the chassis) according to means known in the
art, including, but not limited to, screws, snap fit, friction fit,
hinges, etc. Alternatively, plate 124 can be adapted to open and
close to easily allow securing of cables 104 to deck 114. Cables
104 fold underneath plate 124 and continue towards the rear of
chassis 116 (as shown in FIG. 3B). In some implementations, plate
124 can be located at a midway point of deck 114. Alternatively,
plate 124 can be located at a midway point of deck 114 and towards
a side of chassis 116. In some implementations, shelf 102 is
attached to rear wall 126 such that shelf 102 is in line with plate
124.
Because the first and second ends of cables 104 are secured at
shelf 102 and under plate 124, the free movement of cables 104 is
limited. Cable housing 120 that spans between shelf 102 and plate
124 further limits the free movement of cables 104. As a result,
drawer 106 can be opened and closed with minimal interruption from
cables 104.
In some implementations, microchain 300 can comprise a plurality of
segments 302 interlinked together through joints 304 such that
joints 304 are pivotable and allow microchain 300 as a whole to be
flexible to move with cables 104. Segments 302 can be adapted to
house cables 104 and provide support above and below cables 104.
For example, cables 104 can reside within microchain 300, and
microchain 300 keeps cables 104 organized. Joints 304 can be
interlinked according to methods known in the art, including, but
not limited to, interlocking links, pivoting joints, knuckle
joints, etc.
Referring to FIG. 4 is a flow diagram 400 of an example method for
storing a cable under a drawer. The method described below can be
carried out using the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, for
example, and various elements of these figures are referenced in
explaining the example method. Each block shown in FIG. 4
represents one or more processes, methods or subroutines, carried
out in the example method. Furthermore, the illustrated order of
blocks is illustrative only and the order of the blocks can change
according to the present disclosure. Additional blocks can be added
or fewer blocks may be utilized, without departing from this
disclosure. The example method begins at block 402.
At block 402, a device is provided with a wall of a drawer, a
roller, a flattening appendage, and a deck comprising a plate,
operably connected such that the drawer slides along the deck. The
device can be structured according any of the described
implementations above for cable storage under a drawer.
At block 404, a first end of the set of cables is secured at the
wall of the drawer. The first of end of the set of cables can be
secured according to above-described implementations, including,
but not limited to, using a securing piece.
At block 406, a second end of the set of cables is secured at the
plate. In some implementations, the deck comprises a plate for
securing the set of cables, as described above.
At block 408, the drawer is closed such that the flattening
appendage presses down on the first end of the set of cables and
the roller presses down on the second end of the set of cables such
that the set of cables is stored under the drawer. The roller and
flattening appendage work in combination to keep the set of cables
organized and from rising up as the drawer is closed, as described
above. In some implementations, a cable housing is used to keep the
set of cables together and organized, as described above.
A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it
will be understood that various modifications may be made. For
example, other steps may be provided, or steps may be eliminated,
from the described methods, and other components may be added to,
or removed from, the described systems. Accordingly, other
implementations are within the scope of the following claims.
For clarity and simplicity, only drawer 106 is described. However,
multiple drawers comprising multiple shelves and chasses can be
supported by the above disclosure. For example, multiple drawers
can be stored on top of each other, as commonly known in server
architecture, each chassis adapted store cables underneath each
drawer according to the disclosure herein.
Although a variety of examples and other information were used to
explain aspects within the scope of the appended claims, no
limitation of the claims should be implied based on particular
features or arrangements in such examples, as one of ordinary skill
would be able to use these examples to derive a wide variety of
implementations. Further and although some subject matter may have
been described in language specific to examples of structural
features and/or method steps, it is to be understood that the
subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily
limited to these described features or acts. For example, such
functionality can be distributed differently or performed in
components other than those identified herein. Rather, the
described features and steps are disclosed as examples of
components of systems and methods within the scope of the appended
claims.
* * * * *
References